Gareth O'Callaghan: These unpredictable times must stop before it's too late

Two years ago, almost 40% of Americans believe civil war is at least somewhat likely in the next 10 years. It might be less likely here, but our country’s disintegration into irreconcilable factions is very worrying.

My neighbour told me the shocking events that took place close to Newtownmountkennedy were terrifying to watch. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA

“Unpredictable times” is how an elderly neighbour describes incidents of civil disturbance and violence that we have seen recently, as a result of the ongoing migrant issues that appear to be unresolvable. He was chatting to me the day after the shocking events that took place close to Newtownmountkennedy, in County Wicklow.

My neighbour is a former college lecturer, his life’s career entirely devoted to Irish and European history, with a special interest in conflict and war. When I asked him if we are going to see a further escalation of civil disturbance, to the point where our army might be deployed to protect the democracy of the State, he shook his head.